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How Do Harpacticoid Grazing Rates Differ Over A Tidal Cycle? Field Verification Using Chlorophyll-Pigment Analyses, Alan W. Decho

Faculty Publications

Four species of meiobenthic copepods were examined for diatom feeding. Microscopic analysis of gut-pellet contents from field-collected individuals indicated frequent ingestion of diatoms by 3 harpacticoids (Scottolana canadensis, Microarthridion littorale, Cletocamptus deitersi) while occasional diatom ingestion occurred Paronychocamptus huntsmani. Frustules were usually empty and broken, indicating that contents were digested. Laboratory experiments using ¹⁴C-labeling showed assimilation of diatoms by the 3 species examined. Field grazing rate studies were conducted over different portions of a tidal cycle using fluorescent chlorophyll-pigment analysis of gut-contents. Highest diatom consumption (p<0.05) occurred just after the mudflat became exposed (i.e. Early Low Water level, ELW) for S. canadensis, while consumption at Late Low Water …